Palisades Ultra Trail Series COVID-19 Plan

Below are some key points from an email sent out to all participants on May 19, 2020

ALL RUNNERS AND VOLUNTEERS: PLEASE REVIEW THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY AND LET US KNOW IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, CONCERNS, OR IDEAS ABOUT HOW TO MODIFY OUR SAFETY PLAN TO MAKE THE 2020 PALISADES ULTRA SAFER AND MORE ENJOYABLE FOR EVERYONE! palisadesultra@gmail.com

UPDATES WILL ALSO BE POSTED ON OUR WEBSITE.

WE APPRECIATE YOUR PATIENCE AND SUPPORT DURING THESE UNPRECEDENTED TIMES.

Entities/Persons we have been in communication with, in regards to COVID-19

CARIBOU-TARGHEE NATIONAL FOREST,

YMCA

USATF

LOCAL & REGIONAL RACE DIRECTORS

HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

WE ARE FOLLOWING CLOSELY THE SITUATION BOTH LOCALLY AND ABROAD, AND WE PLAN TO MAKE OUR FINAL 2020 DECISION BY JUNE 3rd.

Covid-19 Cancellation/Refund/Rollover Policy

Whether we host the race (or cancel), the PUTS offers a full 100% race credit (the option to roll your race entry over to 2021 or 2022) on all our race distances before the rollover deadline.

While we would love to offer full refunds-- The reality is that we have already invested so much into the 2020 race in terms of updated water filtration systems, updated signage, horseback supplies, trail clearing machinery, medical bags, and more… That we simply are unable to offer full (or near full) refunds.

Options IF we cancel the 2020 Palisades Ultra -we will announce by June 3rd:

Option 1: Rollover good for 2021 and 2022 (we will apply a credit to all registered runners)

Option 2: 25% refund (you will need to request this via email palisadesultra@gmail.com by June 31st)

Option 3: 25% refund that you ‘donate’ to the YMCA summer camps program (we will write them a check that will be greatly helpful in keeping them afloat during this difficult time)

IF we are fortunate enough to HAVE THE RACE this year, but if you are not comfortable coming to the race or traveling, or if your current state/country guidelines restrict your opportunities for travel, your Rollover is good for 2021 and 2022(but you would need to manually rollover yourself… Simply Go to your Ultra Signup account and select “Account Info” and select “Registration History”. Choose “Credit” or “roll-over” entry.

Please complete this task by June 7th!

Safety Overview for PUTS 2020

Our major priority is and always has been the safety of all runners and volunteers. To that end, we have established a set of guidelines for everyone to follow during packet pick up, the pre-race dinners, pre-start gathering, and during the race. We have added extra portable bathrooms and wash stations in and around the registration/finish line area. We are supplying a unique, commemorative face-covering for all racers and volunteers. We have sufficient quantities of gloves, cleaning products, etc.

Please help us protect everyone. Use common sense, continue using the precautions you are already taking, and follow our guidelines.

Please, if there is a chance you have been exposed to the Coronavirus or if you are feeling sick, do not risk spreading it to other runners or volunteers. Stay home. As mentioned above, we offer a full credit for your entry fee for 2021-2022 PUTS races.

Canceled Pre-Race Dinners

To prevent unnecessary congregations of people, we are canceling our pre-race dinners. HOWEVER… We are using funds to create a purchase a 1-of-a-kind commemorative ‘buff’ for all racers and volunteers to use as a face-shield throughout our event (you get to keep it after!)

Packet Pick-Up

--MASKS or a face-shield are recommended at packet pick up

We will start packet pick up EARLIER... at 4pm MST on Thursday, July 16 for the 100-mile participants to allow more time and to help runners be able to stagger their packet pick up and not congregate at the pickup tables. For the 50 mile, 50k, and Half marathon participants, we will begin packet pick up EARLIER at 3pm Friday July 17 to allow more time and to help runners be able to stagger their packet pick up and not congregate at the pickup tables.

For the 100 mile participants, we will still be transporting drop bags, if needed, to the North Indian Creek Aid Station. If you have a crew, they are welcome and encouraged to transport your drop bag for you to this aid station.

Pre-Race Briefings

--MASKS or a face-shield are recommended at race meetings

For the 100 mile participants, the pre-race meeting will be held Thursday July 16 at 6pm. We will likely be holding this meeting outside of the YMCA Lodge to allow participants to spread out as much as possible.

For the 50M, 50K, and Half Marathon runners, the pre-race meeting will be held Friday, July 17 at 6pm. (we may have to consider having different meeting times for the 3 distances depending on current CDC/government/YMCA guidelines) We will hold this meeting outside the YMCA to allow participants to spread out as much as possible. WE ASK THAT ONLY THE RUNNERS ATTEND as to limit the number of participants and guests that congregate.

**The kids race will still follow at 7pm on Friday night.

Race Starts

We encourage runners to wear a face covering and to spread out in the starting corrals. Since most races only have 40-60 participants, we will likely have an ‘age-group wannabe winner’ corral a few feet in front of the ‘just here to have a good time’ corral. Runners will choose their own starting position.

We have a large starting line area and there is no need to huddle in close. Please be respectful to other runners.

Race-morning check-in: We will have additional, clearly indicated check-in locations based on last names. Please check-in at the correct location!

The Race

It is not mandatory for runners to wear masks during the race. However, if you feel more safe or comfortable wearing one, you are encouraged to do so.

We encourage runners to have a mask or buff with you to use during the race start, and while passing through aid stations (details below).

During the race, be respectful of other racers at all times and respect their right to a safe distance of 6 feet of separation. Since we all come from different states with varying degrees of ‘normal’, if in doubt, it's better to ask than to make someone feel uncomfortable ...since none of us trail runners have EVER come around a corner to see someone squatting…Or seen someone lube up their groin at an aid station... and that’s not at ALL uncomfortable ; )

Change to Post-Race Meal

There will be hand sanitizer at the entrance of the Lodge. USE IT!!!

Do not form a “dense” line at the entrance of the Lodge to the serving line.

You may eat in the Lodge or outdoors, but we encourage you to pick up your meal and to spread out to avoid congregating. Please do NOT congregate at the Lodge Entrance.

Changes to North Indian Creek Aid Station

No crew camping at North Indian Creek, as per Forest Service rules

No crew allowed for 50k runners (after all, it's only 9 miles into your race) BUT… For the first time ever: We will allow an optional drop-bag for 50k runners

Crew for 50 mile/100 mile runners: Allowed one vehicle per runner only. **On Saturday, when we are busiest, we all must try hard to keep crews moving in and out quickly (no waiting for 1-2 hours for your runner and then hanging out for 30 minutes after they leave)

Aid Stations-Volunteers

All volunteers will be wearing gloves while serving food and drinks

Volunteers will not be allowed to take your hydration packs or bottles. Water will be self-served or filled by your crew.

Volunteers will put small or loose food into cups or baggies where you can select what you want or need.

Prepared food will be handed to you.

Please ask if you do not see what you need.

Liquid cleaning supplies like bleach and soap will be provided to volunteers along with hand sanitizer and Clorox/Lysol wipes to help clean and disinfect aid station areas.

Aid Stations-Runners

***ALL AID STATIONS WILL HAVE HAND SANITIZER. PLEASE USE IT UPON ENTERING THE AID STATION. Out of respect for our aid station volunteers and fellow racers, It is recommended to wear your mask or buff through the aid station

***For the 100 and 50 milers who have a crew, you are welcome to have your crew set up your personal aid station at the 2 drive up aid stations: 1-N Indian Creek and 2-Big Elk Creek. Your drop bag and supplies will be set out and ready when you pass through the aid stations. Our aid station volunteers will take every precaution possible to keep everyone safe. Please be courteous and respectful to them and the efforts they are making.

Do not touch any of the cooler spouts or pitchers

All snacks, chips, cookies, gels, candy, etc will either be wrapped or placed in individual cups. Take the cups of what you need and discard the cup. Volunteers may also hand you or serve you what you need.

Fruit, sandwiches, quesadillas, perogies (prepared food), etc will still be available. Please just tell the volunteer what you would like and they will hand it to you.

Soup/Broth will be available in cups

Please dispose of your own garbage. Do not litter at the aid stations or on the trails.

Please Remember- The aid station volunteers are going to have a tough time keeping up.

Understand, they can not do all the things for you they normally do.

Be patient. It may take longer than normal to get through an aid station. It’s a long race.

Remember the volunteers are giving up their time and weekend to be here for you. Thank them for their efforts.